Important Train Timings

Churchgate to Borivli -

First train - 4.27 am slow

Last train - 1.00 am slow

Borivli to Churchgate -

First train - 3.50 am slow

Last train - 12.30 am slow

Churchgate to Virar

First train - 4.15 am slow

Last train - 12.50 am slow

Virar to Churchgate

First train - 3.26 slow

Last train - 12.05 slow

Important Train Timings

Mumbai Trains - Handicapped Compartments

Here's the funny thing about the handicapped compartments in Mumbai's local trains. You can only travel in them if you are permanently disabled (missing limbs, digits, organs; polio; cancer, etc.) and have a medical certificate from a railway official saying the same. This means that injured people (who don't fall in the permanently disabled category) are automatically excluded from travel in handicapped compartments and have to travel either first or general class, even if those cars are packed.

Sounds strange? Let's take it one step further. A lot of permanently disabled people aren't really in a position that makes it difficult for them to travel first or general. This means that a person who's broken or fractured a limb and who genuinely can't travel in a crowded train, can't make use of the handicapped car, but a person who just happened to be born with one toe less and who is otherwise completely healthy and normal and in no way physically unable to travel first or general, gets a lifetime handicapped pass. Unfair?

Mumbai Trains - Handicapped Compartments

The Normal Grind

Weird stuff happening today. Firstly, I was among the lucky few this morning who managed to catch the last train from Borivali before services were disrupted for a long time. Apparently, people were unhappy that a train was cancelled and so blocked all other trains from coming or going.

Also in the news, Shilpa Shetty has been gifted a stake in the Rajasthan Royals by partner Raj Kundra. Boy, I didn't see that coming. Ms. Shetty says she'll be getting involved in the more creative aspects of the franchise, like music videos and merchandising.

Last year, the RR management kept a reasonably low profile. This year seems more like a Bollywood circus. Here's hoping that our team repeats last year's success while ignoring any possible 'distractions'.

The Normal Grind